U.S. patent number 5,409,296 [Application Number 08/254,145] was granted by the patent office on 1995-04-25 for adjustable length support base for a seat assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Shelby Williams Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Peter Barile.
United States Patent |
5,409,296 |
Barile |
April 25, 1995 |
Adjustable length support base for a seat assembly
Abstract
An adjustable planar sled or support base for a seat assembly
which can be selectively adjusted in its length for changing the
distance between the seat assembly and a fixed station such as a
machine or the like. The planar sled or support base comprises a
base plate including a recessed bed opening toward the front end of
the support base and an adjustment plate member slidably engaged
within the recessed bed and having an end extending outwardly
therefrom. The adjustment plate member has a connecting device at
the outwardly extending end for anchoring the seat relative to the
machine. The adjustment plate member is movable in the bed for
adjusting the length of the support base. The base plate includes
fasteners to releasably secure the adjustment plate member in the
recessed bed to maintain the selected length of the support
base.
Inventors: |
Barile; Peter (Morristown,
TN) |
Assignee: |
Shelby Williams Industries,
Inc. (Morristown, TN)
|
Family
ID: |
22963101 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/254,145 |
Filed: |
June 6, 1994 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/344.1;
248/172; 248/501; 297/172 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C
9/022 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
9/02 (20060101); A47C 9/00 (20060101); A47C
001/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;297/344.1,344.11
;248/172,501 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Brown; Peter R.
Assistant Examiner: Barfield; Anthony
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Silverman, Cass & Singer,
Ltd.
Claims
I claim:
1. A seat assembly adapted to be selectively positioned relative to
a fixed station such as a machine or the like comprising:
a seat assembly comprising a seat and a standard, said standard
being oriented vertically and said seat being supported on an upper
end of said standard;
an adjustable support base having an upper surface and bottom
surface, said seat assembly being secured on said upper surface,
said support base including a recessed bed in its bottom surface,
an adjustment plate member mounted in said recessed bed in surface
to surface engagement with said recessed bed, said adjustment
member being slidable linearly in said recessed bed to selectively
vary said position of said seat relative to said fixed station,
said base member and said adjustment member having cooperating
fastener means for releasably securing said adjustment member in
said recessed bed, said adjustment member including connecting
means for anchoring said adjustment member in said recessed bed in
fixed position relative to said station.
2. The seat assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said cooperating
fastener means comprise a series of spaced apart and aligned
sockets in registry in said support base and adjustment member
respectively and multiple fastener members adapted to be engaged in
said sockets for rigidly mounting said adjustment member in said
bed in varying positions for adjusting the length of the support
base whereby the distance of the seat from the fixed station can be
varied.
3. The seat assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein said recessed
bed is open at one end thereof in a direction facing toward the
fixed station, and said adjustment plate member is slidable to a
position protruding outwardly through said open end.
4. The seat assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said connecting
means is rigidly secured on said adjustment member and protrudes
outwardly from the recessed bed for attachment to said fixed
station.
5. The seat assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said recessed
bed and length adjustment member have complementary dimensions
which enable said adjustment member to be slidably seated in said
bed flush with the bottom surface of the support base.
6. In a seat assembly adapted to be selectively positioned relative
to a fixed station such as a machine or the like and which includes
a seat and a standard in which said standard is oriented vertically
and said seat is supported on the upper end of said standard:
an adjustable length support base adapted to have said standard
secured upstanding thereon comprising a plate or sled having top
and bottom surfaces, front and rear ends, and a recessed bed formed
in said bottom surface and opening toward said front end, an
adjustment plate member slidably secured in surface-to-surface
engagement within said recessed bed and having an extremity
extending outwardly at the opening of the recessed bed, said
adjustment member being movable relative to said recessed bed to
selectively position said extremity a selected distance from said
standard, said base member and adjustment member having cooperating
securement means for releasably securing said adjustment member in
said bed so as to maintain said selected distance between said
standard and said end;
and connecting means integrally formed with said extremity of said
adjustment member to anchor said support base relative to said
fixed station.
7. The seat assembly as defined in claim 6 wherein said cooperating
securement means comprise a series of spaced apart and aligned
sockets in registry in said support base and adjustment member
respectively and fastener members adapted to be engaged in said
sockets for mounting said adjustment member in said bed in varying
positions for adjusting the length of the support base whereby the
distance of the seat from the fixed station can be varied.
8. The seat assembly as defined in claim 7 wherein said recessed
bed opens in a direction facing toward the fixed station.
9. The seat assembly as defined in claim 8 wherein said connecting
means is rigidly secured on said adjustment member and protrudes
outwardly from the recessed bed for attachment to said fixed
station.
10. The seat assembly as defined in claim 6 in which said recessed
bed and length adjustment member have complementary dimensions
which enable said adjustment member to be slidably seated in said
bed flush with the bottom surface of the sled.
11. An adjustable length support base for selectively positioning a
seat assembly in a desired position with respect to a fixed station
such as a machine or the like comprising;
a planar base member having said seat assembly secured upstanding
thereon, said base member having top and bottom surfaces, front and
rear ends and a recessed bed formed in said bottom surface and
opening to said front end;
an adjustment plate member slidably secured within said recessed
bed in surface to surface engagement therewith and having an
extremity extending outwardly therefrom, said adjustment member
being movable relative to said recessed bed to selectively position
said extremity for adjusting the length of said support base;
securement means cooperating with said base member and said
adjustment member for releasably securing said adjustment member in
said bed so as to maintain said length of said support base, said
securing means comprising a series of spaced apart and aligned
sockets in registry in said support base and adjustment plate
respectively and fastener members adapted to be engaged in said
sockets for mounting said adjustment member in said bed in varying
positions for adjusting the length of the support base whereby the
distance of the seat from the fixed station can be varied; and
connecting means on said adjustment member to anchor said base
member in fixed position relative to said fixed station.
12. The support base as defined in claim 11 wherein said recessed
bed opens in a direction facing toward the fixed station.
13. The support base as defined in claim 11 wherein said connecting
means is rigidly secured on said adjustment member and protrudes
outwardly from the recessed bed for attachment to said fixed
station.
14. The seat assembly as defined in claim 11 in which said recessed
bed and length adjustment member have complementary dimensions
which enable said adjustment member to be slidably seated in said
bed flush with the bottom surface of the base member.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to anchoring means for selectively
positioning a seat assembly, such as a stool or chair, relative to
a fixed station, such as a machine or service station. More
particularly, the anchoring means includes a sled or support base
for the seat assembly which can be selectively adjusted in its
length for changing the distance between the seat assembly and the
fixed station.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,192 there is disclosed anchoring means for
positioning a seat assembly, such as a stool, relative to a fixed
station, such as a casino gaming machine 22. The seat assembly was
supported on a planar support base or sled which included a quick
release connection assembly releasably connecting the planar base
in a desired position relative to the gaming machine. In this
installed position, the seat assembly was positioned a fixed
distance from the gaming machine.
Such installation of the seat assembly at a fixed distance from the
gaming machine gave rise to problems when the gaming machines were
changed because coin trays, coin acceptance slots and aesthetic
design features can vary between different gaming machines. Such a
change of the gaming machines can dictate a change in the length of
the support base or sled because the space between the player on
the seat and the replaced machine is either excessive or
insufficient for the player on the seat. In such a situation
arising from replacement of the gaming machine, the support base or
sled has to be replaced or lengthened. Where the support base has
to be replaced so also must the seat assembly be mounted on the new
support base.
In some situations, the length of the support bases had to be
extended by welding an extension of a fixed length to the bases
when the gaming machines were changed. Such an expedient for
changing the length of the support base or sled was time consuming
and uneconomical, especially where different lengths of extensions
were required because of the characteristics of the replacement
machines. Once the length of the support base was changed, any
subsequent change in its length where replacement of the gaming
machines was undertaken, was not a feasible operation as compared
to just replacing the support base or sled with one having the
necessary length for placing the seat assembly at the desired
distance from the gaming machine.
It is desirable, therefore, to provide a support base having a
length which is adjustable to selectively position the seat
assembly relative to the gaming machines and accommodate changes in
the gaming machines. It is also desirable to adjust the length of
the support base without the necessity of replacing the support
base with a new support base. It is further desirable that the
support base permit a range of adjustments and that these
adjustments be accomplished rapidly and economically.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is an adjustable planar sled or support base for a
seat assembly which can be selectively adjusted in its length for
changing the distance between the seat assembly and a fixed station
such as a machine or the like. The planar sled or support base has
the seat assembly secured thereon and comprises a base plate
including an extremity with a recessed bed opening toward said
extremity and an adjustment plate member slidably engaged within
the recessed bed and having an end extending outwardly therefrom.
The adjustment plate member has connecting means at said outwardly
extending end for anchoring said seat relative to the machine. The
adjustment plate member is movable in said bed for adjusting the
length of the support base. The base plate includes fastener or
securement means for releasably securing the adjustment plate
member in the recessed bed to maintain the selected length of the
support base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the anchoring means of the
invention illustrating an adjustable sled or support base, a seat
assembly mounted thereon and a fixed station such as a gaming
machine or the like, the view also illustrating a series of like
seating assemblies;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable support base
illustrating a single seat assembly, a base plate and a slidable
adjustment plate with two possible positions for the adjustment
plate illustrated in phantom outline;
FIG. 3 is a partial side elevational view of the adjustable support
base illustrating, in phantom outline, a support member of the seat
assembly, the base plate and two possible positions for the seat
assembly after adjustment of the length of the support base;
FIG. 4 is a partial bottom plan view of the support base
illustrating the base plate a recessed bed and the slidable
adjustment plate slidably engaged therein; and
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4 and
in the direction indicated generally.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a chair or counter stool is designated
generally by the reference numeral 10. The chair 10 preferably
includes a seat 12 and a back rest 14 which may or may not be
padded. An upstanding pedestal, column or standard 16 supports the
chair or stool 10 at its upper end. The standard 16 is mounted
upstanding on an adjustable length support base 18 embodying the
invention. The support base 18 is substantially planar and is
positioned overlying a portion of a substantially planar floor
surface 20. The floor 20 can be constructed from any type of
material and can include carpeting, if desired. The chair 10
preferably is utilized in conjunction with a fixed station or
casino gaming machine 22, such as a slot machine or the like.
The adjustable length support base of the invention generally is
designated by the reference numeral 18. The adjustable support base
18 includes a base plate 24 having a slidable adjustment plate 26
for adjusting the length of the support base 18 relative to the
gaming machine 22.
Briefly, in operation, the chair 10 is positioned relative to the
fixed station 22 by releasably connecting the adjustment plate 26
of the support base 18 to the fixed station 22. The length of the
support base 18 and accordingly, the distance between the chair 10
and the fixed station 22 is readily adjusted by selectively
positioning and securing the slidable adjustment plate 26 along the
path generally indicated by reference arrow "A" seen in FIG. 2.
The base plate 24 of the adjustable length support base 18
preferably is rectilinear in configuration and includes a front end
28 facing toward the fixed station 22, a rear end 30 opposite the
front end 28 and an upper surface 32 having the standard 16 secured
thereon proximate the rear end 30. The base plate 24 preferably is
constructed of metal or the like, although other configurations and
constructions may be feasible.
The base plate 24 further includes an opposite or bottom surface 34
opposite the upper surface 32 as FIG. 3 illustrates. To accommodate
the adjustment plate 26 in slidable engagement with the base plate
24 and permit adjustment of the length of the support base 18, the
bottom surface 34 is formed with a recessed bed 36 proximate the
front end 28 as FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 illustrate. The recessed bed 36
preferably has a width as seen in FIG. 4 dimensioned to guide the
adjustment plate 26 as it slides therein and has a depth as seen in
FIG. 5 dimensioned such that the bottom surface 34 of the base
plate 24 is substantially flush with an adjacent bottom surface 38
of the adjustment plate 26.
In the region of the recessed bed 36, the base plate 24 has a
plurality of countersunk securing apertures or sockets 40 extending
therethrough between the upper surface 32 and the recessed bed 36
as FIG. 5 illustrates. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the countersunk
apertures 40 are adapted to receive fasteners, such as bolts 42 so
as to permit securing the adjustment plate 26 within the recessed
bed 36 after adjustment of the length of the support base 18, as
described more fully herein. Two pairs of the apertures 40 and
fasteners 42 preferably are provided although it should be
appreciated that the number of apertures 40 and fasteners 42 may
vary so long as the adjustment plate 26 remains secured in position
within the recessed bed 36 during use. The fasteners 42 preferably
are threaded bolts or the like flush mounted in the apertures
40.
As FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 illustrate, the adjustment plate 26 preferably
is rectilinear in configuration and is dimensioned complementary to
that of the bed 36 so as to be slidably engaged within the recessed
bed 36 and flush with the bottom surface 34. Preferably the
adjustment plate 26 is constructed of metal or the like, or a
suitable combination of other suitable structural materials. The
dimensions and configuration of the plate 26 should be
complementary to that of the recessed bed 36.
The adjustment plate 26 engages within the recessed bed 36 such
that an end or extremity 44 extends outwardly from the bed 36
toward the fixed station 22 as FIG. 1 illustrates. To secure the
sliding adjustment plate 26 within the bed 36, the adjustment plate
26 includes apertures or sockets 46 seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 which are
adapted to be axially aligned with the securing apertures 40 of the
base plate 24 by positioning of selected apertures 46 of the
sliding adjustment plate 26 with respect to the securing apertures
40. Each aperture 46 preferably is threaded to receive and engage
the fastener 42 inserted through the cooperating securing aperture
40 adjacent thereto.
To vary the distance the end 44 of the adjustment plate 26 extends
outwardly from the recessed bed 36, as FIG. 2 generally
illustrates, the apertures 46 are provided in a predetermined
spaced-apart arrangement seen in FIGS. 2 and 4. The spaced-apart
arrangement of the apertures 46 permits ready adjustment of the
length of the support base 18 by the selective alignment of the
appropriate securing apertures 40 and 46 to position the end 44 of
the adjustment plate 26 at a desired location, for example, as
indicated generally by arrow "B" or in the alternative, positions
illustrated in phantom outline by the arrows "C" or "D".
The positions indicated by arrows "B", "C" and "D" seen in FIG. 2
are governed by the particular apertures 46 in registry with the
securing apertures 40 as well as the particular spaced apart
arrangement provided. It is recognized that the range of adjustment
of the length of the support base 18 may be varied, for example, by
varying the lengths of the adjustment plate 26 and the recessed bed
36, the number and spaced apart arrangement of the apertures 46, or
the method of securing the adjustment plate 26 relative to the
recessed bed 36.
To anchor the chair 10 relative to the fixed station 22, the
support base 18 is provided with a connector assembly 48. The
connector assembly 48 illustrated in FIG. 2 is formed as an
upturned front flange 50 of the outwardly extending end 44 of the
slidable adjustment plate 26. The connector assembly 48 includes a
plurality of apertures 52 extending through the flange 50 and
connects to the fixed station 22 by fasteners (not illustrated)
such as bolts or the like. Alternatively, the connector assembly
may be of the releasable type disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,102,192.
It should be understood that a variety of other suitable fastening
or securement means may be utilized for this purpose. In addition,
the connector assembly 48 can be utilized to anchor the adjustment
plate 26 to a structure other than the fixed station 22 such as a
service counter or the like so long as the position of the chair 10
relative to the fixed station 22 is adjustable.
In operation, the support base 18 is positioned adjacent the fixed
station 22 and anchored thereto by connecting the connector
assembly 48 directly to or proximate the fixed station 22 as seen
in FIG. 1. The desired position of the chair 10 relative to the
fixed station 22 typically varies depending upon the particular
type of fixed station 22 being provided such as a gaming machine or
the like. Accordingly, to selectively position the chair 10
relative to the fixed station 22, the length of the support base 18
is adjusted as described herein. It is recognized that adjustment
may be performed either prior to or after anchoring of the support
base 18 relative to the fixed station 22.
Referring to FIG. 2, adjustment is accomplished by disengaging the
fasteners 42 from the apertures 46 of the adjustment plate 26 which
permits sliding of the adjustment plate 26 within the recessed bed
36 of the base plate 24 along the path indicated by arrow "A". The
adjustment plate 26 is selectively moved to adjust the length of
the support base 18 by selectively positioning the outwardly
extending end 44, for example, at the position indicated by arrow
"B". As FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate, this selected length of the
support base 18 is maintained during use by engaging the fasteners
42 within axially aligned apertures 40 and 46 to secure the
adjustment plate 26 and the base plate 24 one with the other.
Alternatively, the adjustment plate 26 also may be selectively
moved to position the adjustment plate 26 at alternate positions
indicated by arrows "C" or "D" as seen in FIG. 2. The adjustment
plate 26 similarly is secured thereat by engaging the fasteners 42
within the particular axially aligned apertures 40 and 46.
Sliding the adjustment plate 26, for example, to the positions
indicated by arrows "C" or "D", adjusts the length of the support
base 18 to displace the standard 16 and the attached chair 10
inwardly or outwardly as the case may be. Referring to FIG. 3, this
displacement of the standard 16 is represented in phantom outline
and indicated by reference arrows "E" and "F". In such a manner,
the chair 10 may be selectively positioned to accommodate changes
in the gaming machines 22 or the like without recourse to a
different length unitary base or support plate.
Modifications and variations in the individual structures embodied
in the present invention may occur to the skilled artisan in the
light of the specification hereof without departing from the scope
and spirit of the appended claims.
* * * * *